Do Persons Have Souls? by Nancey Murphy

by Robert Lawrence Kuhn (9/27/10 9:58 pm)

In his day, early modern philosopher Rene Descartes used Latin and French terms for the “soul” that could also be translated as “mind,” and it was only later that philosophers adopted the second term, while the former predominated in religious circles. Descartes thought the mind was a nonphysical substance separate from the brain, a version of “substance dualism” influenced by fifth-century theologian Augustine and his Platonic predecessors. Thomas Hobbes, on the other hand, was among the first of the modern philosophers to deny the existence of a mind or soul, arguing instead that humans are entirely physical.
At the time, most Christian thinkers associated their theories of human nature with Descartes’ dualism, but in the 19th century, many adopted the popular philosophy of “absolute idealism,” meaning that all of reality (including humans) is essentially mental or spiritual. Meanwhile, Charles Darwin’s work on the continuity between humans and animals led some to conclude that if animals have no souls, then neither do humans. Others avoided this conclusion by arguing that while the human body may have evolved, God creates a soul for each individual at conception.
Throughout the 20th century, biblical scholars, historians of doctrine, and theologians increasingly concluded that the body-soul dualism is not inherent in biblical teaching, and many opted for physicalism. By mid-century, philosophers were divided between mind-body dualism and physicalism. And developments in neuroscience have put dualists more and more on the defensive. Among physicalists, the important debate today is between reductionists and anti-reductionists; that is, if we are purely physical, then must it not be the case that all thought and behavior are simply determined by physics, genetics, or neurobiology? Scholars engaged in the science-and-religion dialogue have joined with anti-reductionist philosophers of mind to explain how our higher human capacities, such as reason, morality, and even spirituality, arise out of our complex neural equipment but are not entirely determined by it.
Today, scientists, theologians, and philosophers have converged on a physicalist account of human beings: In other words, we do not have minds or souls. But informal polls show that the majority of people in this country are divided between body-soul dualism and a tri-part account of humans as body, soul, and spirit. It’s important that we keep this split between scholars and the general public in mind during political discussions of issues like abortion and stem cell research.

Tags Soul, mind, brain, Murphy, Descartes

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sridattadev wrote:

Dear All,

I have been following the work of several of the prominent scientists to come up with a theory of everything. It seems that in this search of everything, one most important thing has not been considered. Who am I? I am in this universe as much as it is in I. What is I? I is sphere full of love. Wisdom is more important than imagination is more important than knowledge, for all that we know is just an imagination chosen wisely. The language and the medium of this communication are also products of imagination. Reality as it seems can be termed as implementation of imagination. It is not mind over matter, it is only mind that matters. I am the sum total of my thoughts, I is the calculator.

According to E=MC^2, mass gets converted to energy when it travels at the speed of light. Thoughts travel faster than light. S=BM^2 (S-Soul, B-Body, M-Mind). Create a body with a thought, destroy the body with a thought and find the inner most self, Soul. We are not our bodies, we are not our minds, we are our inner most self (singularity). A great scientist once thought what would it be like to travel at the speed of light and came up with the theory of relativity, now it is our time to wonder on what would it be like to be the space-time itself or experience the singularity and realize the absolute theory of everything.

A simple mathematical equation to represent everything including nothing is zero = infinity, application of this simple fact will solve all other complex equations. This can be proved as follows.

0 + 0 = 0

0 - 0 = 0

0 * 0 = 0

0 / 0 = 0

and so on....

Zero remains constant in any relation to itself, no other number can remain constant while satisfying all the relations to itself.

I will use the character "~" to represent infinity and express the following equations.

~ + ~ = ~

~ - ~ = ~

~ * ~ = ~

~ / ~ = ~

and so on....

Also infinity is similar to zero and remains constant in relation to itself.
The same mathematical truth can be deduced as follows as well.

If 0 x 0 = 0 is true, then 0 / 0 = 0 is also true
If 0 x 1 = 0 is true, then 0 / 0 = 1 is also true
If 0 x 2 = 0 is true, then 0 / 0 = 2 is also true
If 0 x i = 0 is true, then 0 / 0 = i is also true
If 0 x ~ = 0 is true, then 0 / 0 = ~ is also true

It seems that mathematics, the universal language, is also pointing to the absolute truth that 0 = 1 = 2 = i = ~, where "i" can be any number from zero to infinity. We have been looking at only first half of the if true statements in the relative world. As we can see it is not complete with out the then true statements whic are equally true. As all numbers are equal mathematically, so is all creation equal "absolutely".

This proves that 0 = i = ~ or in words "absolutely" nothing = "relatively" everything or everything is absolutely equal. Singularity is not only relative infinity but also absolute equality. There is only one singularity or infinity in the relativistic universe and there is only singularity or equality in the absolute universe and we are all in it.

If universe is the meaning of understanding of one’s surroundings, then it is created with every birth and destroyed with every death. Universe is in a steady big bang state. Multiverse is just multiple interpretations made by bodies and minds of the conscience (soul or singularity). What one perceives of self (soul) is not the same as another, this is the multiverse with in the universe that we live in. The moment a thought arises the universe comes to existence. If one can still the mind to absoluteness then there will be absolutely nothing. This state of absoluteness is called Nirvana (Moksha), immortality. One who knows thy self is immortal.

If life is the meaning of our relative existence on this planet then we were all dead even before we were born, so why fear death as we all have already experienced death. On this planet only one being, human, seems to care for Time dimension while all other species do not. If we only understand the perception of other beings dimensions sharing this planet would we appreciate the beauty of it all. There can be as many dimensions as we choose to have. There is no space unless one chooses to measure and there is no time until one chooses to count. Time is the space between all of us and in time we shall all be one (singularity). Everything gravitate towards singularity or Absolutely nothing gravitates everything, which implies there is no gravity in singularity. For every action there is equal and opposite reaction, there is also inaction at the point of their interaction. It is this inaction or singularity in everything that creates the actions (anti gravity) and the consequent reactions (gravity).

Death is to a person, as black hole is to a star. As light cannot escape singularity and time does not exist beyond singularity, so does a dead person cannot see light or does not have perception of time. Dark Matter / Dark Energy are only as dark as our thoughts. Lets weigh our thoughts in and we would have the total mass / energy of the universe. The moment when one stops thinking is when one sees the true light of love in the heart. Some think that universe is expanding, some think that universe is contracting, some think that universe is eternal, I know that universe is what we want it to be.

As scientific explanation is the accepted medium for people to understand things, I have chosen this path to explain the true nature of our being. We are nothing but the result of our imagination. We can travel in space and time with our minds. The body we have is nothing but a space ship that is made for the journey on this planet, soul is the captain. Our brains are the best particle accelerators. I imagine that one day there will be only science of self realization at the highest realm of education converging all sciences, philosophy and religion. Altruistic science should be for enquiring (thinking about) the truth, philosophy for discussing the thoughts and religion for regulating the thoughts for greater good of all beings. I know that this will be done one way or another.

The theory of everthing is that there is absolutely nothing, God is absolute state of mind, soul that is everything and nothing, we are relative states of mind, bodies that are something in between. Happiness and sorrow are relative states of mind, absolute state of mind is peaceful.

Exploring thy self is plain, discovering thy self is not. Intelligence arises from conscience (birth or white hole or entaglement) and results in duality or virtual reality. Intelligence merges back with conscience (death or black hole or enlightenment) and results in singularity or absolute truth. Intelligence is relative and variable. Conscience is absolute and constant. Intelligence is digital in nature. Conscience is analog or continuous in nature. Intelligence is complex. Conscience is simple. Wisdom is the knowledge of conscience and application of intelligence in pursuit of peace and joy.
One is still in duality if one still thinks there is space and time besides one self. One attains singularity by knowing there is no space-time other than one self. Duality is voluntary like raising a thought in the brain, singularity is involuntary like a heart beat. Life is a combination of both of these experiences. As a father of three boys and being fully aware of my self, relatively speaking, isn't it true to say that I created the universe for them.

Truth is simple, accepting it is not.

I am relative I is absolute
I am phenomenon I is nuomenon
I am pi I is zero
I am 3-sphere of love I is n-sphere of love
I am geometry of love I is singularity of love
I am variant I is constant
I am finite I is infinite
I am present I is omnipresent
I am potent I is omnipotent
I am scient I is omniscient
I am mortal I is immortal
I am transcendental I is eternal
I am matter I is ether
I am observed I is the observer
I am dual I is single
I am digital I is analog
I am mind and body I is the soul
I am in the brain I is in the heart
I am intelligent I is the conscience
I am in space-time I is the space-time
I am sound I is the silence
I am visible I is invisible
I am light I is dark
I am asleep I is awake
I am a dream I is the dreamer
I am in peace I is in love
I am human I is god
I am one of our kind I is everyone of all kinds
I am something I is nothing and everything
I am virtual reality I is absolute truth

Conscience is the cosmological constant.
Conscience is the common sense as we all share it.

There is only one soul or singularity or conscience.

Be in Love to Rest in Peace
Love,

Sridattadev.

Posted 1:37 PM / March 28, 2012

Danielpm wrote:

The Keep it simple People, comment really allplies to this. How many of you have been to a Funeral? So Why did the Body Cease to Live? Science still hasnt figured that out!!!! Science Still Doesnt know Where The Human Beings, Being Goes. Sure they know why it stops as from an accident or cancers effects.

But the the Lifes Spirit, THE SOUL! , The Eternal Living being that inhabited that body has left it and has reunited itself back into the creators massive Flow of Pure energy. The Life force that gives breath is called the Soul!. You can call it whatever you want and different cultures call it different things but when the Soul Leaves the Body it Dies! . You can hook up a body to life support but when the soul leaves the body, its over!

We also KNOW the Soul resides in the Upper part of the body in the Brain and we have proven this over the past 100 years. The Jarvic heart can replace a heart and the person lives so "heart death" does not determine death anymore! like it used to. Remember checking the pulse!!

In todays Medical world, Brain death is the determining factor. In the Book "Stiff, The most bizarre ways to determine death were performed so as not to bury someone alive. Just 40 years ago, doctors were Sticking hot probes in orifices and now THE modern day determining factor is ultimately, the Brain. The reason is is because the Soul resides in the Brain. Our soul consists of intellect, memory, imagination and our consciience in basic terms. Our ability to learn and emotions and motor funtions are all part or the Soul and Brain/body connection. Wouldnt it be amazing If science could complete a Brain transfusion? Put my Brain in Your Body? Im sure they are working on it furiously, for it would mean that my soul could live in any body I choose, even a female body, and Im a male. See when there is Brain Death, The eyes go into the Death stare and the Human Being becomes just a Human and the being is somplace else. We have tried to view the spirit/soul leaving the body and there are no public reports of this being accomplished. Point is There is somthing that leaves the Body!!! The SOUL

Scientists seem Deceived in the War of what is Good and Evil over this materistic world What is Truth and what is a Lie!!! every doctor I know, and Ive seen many lately, all seem to agree that they treat the Body and they treat the Soul/Spirit/Person which are two separate things. They hate certain People. and it has nothing to do with their body. It has nothing to do with the color of Skin or religion or anything other than the Person. The Body and the Soul are SEPARATE!!! Scientists saying they are one is the root of denying what is said in Genesis that God Breathes through His spirit of Truth, The Breath of Life into Flesh and Life Comes into man!! Then Sin and Death destroy THE BODY. But then the Person is Judged and that is why His name is more important than his flesh. The laws of the universe of honering parents and dont kill and steal and screw your neighbors wife and envying what others have and be happy with what you have and work hard to get what you want are for the Person not the Body. Every culture agrees these things are right to do and everyone hates a Liar when they are lying to you!!!. So when God adds the 1st three commandments to Honer God, Stop Cursing his name and stop worhiping Money, then The Person says now this is pushing things too far! THESE are the LAWS of the Universe, just as immeiate as gravity and energy. You want to steal, what goes around comes around. You steal and you will be stolen from!!!! guaranteed!!! No Ifs ands or buts, no exceptions. Just like dropping an apple out of a window, IT WILL fall to whats below. To ask IS There a SOUL? IS Like asking IS there a Body? ITs The Stupidest Question Ive Ever Heard! Yes There is!!! and its right in front of your faces.

The Question should be How do I protect MY SOUL after I die!! To Receive A New body without pain and fear and hate.! The Body It was designed For!! No more Decay, no more pain and sorrow and Death!.

Jesus Christ Said Unless You Eat My Body and Drink My Blood you have No Part in me!! He didnt apologze for saying this!! He didnt say Oh wait dont leave!!! Im just using symbolism!! NO! Jesus sacrfices Himself everyday at the Traditional Latin Catholic Mass. This is the ONLY way to JESUS! The MASS of Scarifice. The Passover was the symbolism of Killing a Perfect Lamb and Smearing the Blood over your door Posts and then eating the lamb Standing ready to flee. Then Gods people were set Free and Pharohs First Born was Killed and if you didnt do all that was said, your first born died too. Jesus is Your Souls BEST FRIEND and ONLY FRIEND!! at DEATH!
Please Beloved, You have a eternal Soul and You need to worry Less about your Body and more about your Soul!
.
Protect YOUR SOUL at the Hour of YOUR death with the BODY AND BLOOD OF JESUS, Pray The ROSARY which is The GOSPEL OF LUKE and JESUS ANSWERS all ReQUESTS from his MOTHER and It is better to go to Jesus Holding his Mothers Hand than alone. Pray the Rosary, This is the Way to Pray.
Everyone has to face death and your going to be terrified when it comes!! I have terminal illness and This is the only peace for my soul and its Perfect peace. I pray that Science doesnt interfere with the basic fact that a body without its soul is dead.

Posted 3:23 PM / March 11, 2012

SynchroniCity wrote:

Bodies that are made of atoms and molecules and even tinier subparticles have more than meet the eye. If we can imagine the 'revolving' quanta inside each of us and how it is entangled with Sparticles we can get an idea of something that is inside of us that is greater than that that is the world.

Sparticles are non localized and bodies PERSons are gravities of matter that do exist in a less pure copy with less duration, I so think.

But I do believe there is a Biblical dualism simply because 'how we think' makes us and we need to dial down the monism from behaviour that is frowned upon in the bible. After all, why repent if there is no dualism between soul and body? There has to be some original sin muddying our flesh existence that is cast upon us like sap.

Job is an example of duality in our lives. The monism or singularity (unity) of body to our sould is a polarization for our 'good'.

RE

Posted 6:11 PM / January 06, 2011

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